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Manchester City striker Erling Haaland found the net five times in Norway's 11-1 thumping of Moldova in FIFA World Cup qualifying
Erling Haaland had an understated response to scoring five goals in a single game for Norway. The striker is set to return to Manchester City full of confidence ahead of Sunday's Manchester derby against local rivals United.
City's No.9 built on his two Premier League strikes so far this season by netting in a narrow friendly win over Finland last week. Now he has followed up by adding five more to his personal tally as Norway breezed past Moldova 11-1 in FIFA World Cup qualifying.
A first-half hat-trick with two more goals after the interval mean Haaland is Europe's top scorer in qualifying with nine overall. Norway are on the cusp of qualifying for a major tournament for the first time since 1998.
Posting to his public Snapchat profile after the final whistle, Haaland showed off the match ball he had earned and simply commented: "Not bad."
Haaland had a little more to offer the Norwegian press, but only a little. In typical, minimalist fashion, the 25-year-old told VG: "A great game. We pulled it off in the end. A historic evening!"
Additionally, national teammate and Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard said of Haaland: "It's a dream to play with him. I know he times the runs perfectly. Then it's just a matter of hitting, and then it mostly goes to the finish line when he gets it."
With eight goals for club and country already this season, the City star will have his sights trained on United, who are the Etihad Stadium's next visitors.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.
A first Manchester derby of the season takes place immediately after the international break this Sunday, September 14, and Pep Guardiola could not ask for a better time for his leading man to hit prime goalscoring form.
That, in part, is down to the injury suffered by fellow forward Omar Marmoush whilst on international duty with Egypt.
The winter signing was forced off after being on the receiving end of a heavy tackle just four minutes into his country's match against Burkina Faso on Tuesday night. Marmoush has had a scan ahead of the derby, with the club confirming in a statement that he will be unavailable to take part in the derby.
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